title: Posterior fixation of thoracolumbar burst fractures: is it possible to protect one segment in the lumbar region?
abstract: BACKGROUND
  The treatment for thoracolumbar burst fractures is controversial. The aim of this retrospective study was to compare intermediate-segment (IS) and long-segment (LS) instrumentation in the treatment for these fractures.
  
  
  METHODS
  IS instrumentation was considered as pedicle fixation two levels above and one level below the fractured vertebra (infra-laminar hooks attached to lower vertebra with pedicle screws). LS instrumentation was done two levels above and two levels below the fractured vertebra. Among a total of 25 consecutive patients, Group 1 included ten patients treated by IS pedicle fixation, whereas Group 2 included fifteen patients treated by LS instrumentation.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The measurements of local kyphosis (p = 0.955), sagittal index (p = 0.128), anterior vertebral height compression (p = 0.230) and canal diameter expansion (p = 0.839) demonstrated similar improvement at the final follow-up between the two groups. However, there was a significant difference (p < 0.05) between Group 1 and Group 2 regarding clinical outcome [Hannover scoring system, Oswestry disability questionnaire and the range of motion of the lumbar region compared to neutral (0°)].
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The radiographic parameters were the same between the two groups. However, the clinical parameters demonstrated that IS instrumentation is a more effective management of thoracolumbar burst fractures.
authors.affiliation: Department of Orthopaedics and Traumatology, Mugla Sıtkı Kocman University School of Medicine, Mugla, Turkey, umutcanbek@hotmail.com.
authors.forename: Umut
authors.initials: U
authors.lastname: Canbek
authors.forename: Levent
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Karapınar
authors.forename: Ahmet
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Imerci
authors.forename: Ulaş
authors.initials: U
authors.lastname: Akgün
authors.forename: Mert
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Kumbaracı
authors.forename: Mustafa
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Incesu
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D019299:Decompression, Surgical / Q000295:instrumentation / Q000379:methods; D005260:Female; D005593:Fracture Fixation, Internal; D006801:Humans; D008159:Lumbar Vertebrae / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000293:injuries* / Q000601:surgery*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D065289:Pedicle Screws; D011859:Radiography; D016059:Range of Motion, Articular; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D016103:Spinal Fractures / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000601:surgery*; D013123:Spinal Fusion / Q000295:instrumentation* / Q000379:methods*; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D055815:Young Adult